Rayman: I very much enjoy the art direction, music, and vibe of the game so much. I've said in another post how I like that the game isn't afraid of showing that a dreamy and magical world can still be very dangerous, with there being enemies that can just be wild life and how the environments are filled with natural hazards. Of all the games, this one feels the most like a dream I've had with the Dream Forest and Blue Mountains being so goddamn beautiful.. I do think that the feel of the game is better shown by the art being how it is, with the backgrounds looking like paintings and such. Just a very pretty game that accomplished what it wanted. I do believe Mr. Dark is a good villain, he doesn't say anything or do much but his existence further shows how dangerous this world can be. (also wizards are cool as hell, that's just a rule)
It's just kinda a shame I'm not enough of a Gamer to get passed Band Land
Rayman 2: With 2, I cannot get over how much I am obsessed with the goddamn atmosphere. Now here's my thing: I think the goofiness of the world enhances the ominous feel. The contrast between the world and how serious the situation is at hand just works so well to me. It's like giving a comic relief character a good and dramatic event, it just hits harder. I love how they showed a side of the world that was just nightmare, which makes sense for there to be.
Besides that, This is a very fun game and I actually beat this one! Combat was sparse but good, the environments were very elegant, and the characters really fleshed out the world. This one I think is my favorite. It just fits into my tastes very much. I'm sure I'm the only one who feels this way....
Rayman 3: This one was the first Rayman game I got to properly play when I actually knew what video games were (I played Rayman when I was like, 4) and I love this game to death. I still think this game was able to have a good atmosphere for a lot of the levels, like Fairy Council and Bog of Murk. Murk especially felt almost like a Grimm fairytale to me with the antagonists, having to escape a sad witch and a hunter who wants to trophy you. Speaking of, I actually like some of the edge the game had like that, the other instance being the Knaarens... I don't really need to explain that one lol.
The gameplay is fast and smooth, the voices are pretty fitting (can't beat Rayman being from Boston in the show tho lmao) and the graphics are still very, very pretty to this day. It may not have stuck with the same tone as the other two games but I don't think we can really call that a fault. Perhaps more polish on the writing could make it better.
Rayman Raving Rabbids: Okay listen, I have nostalgia for this one. It's not too bad for it being what it is, and I think the Rabbids are not as bad as they could've been. In a different timeline the Rabbids would be on the same cultural height as the minions and we should all say sorry to the Rabbids as they weren't the ones Facebook moms used for their memes.
That and the game is a decent mini-game collection. It's definitely unique enough to make one want to pick it over others just for the absolute insanity of it. While not my go-to kinda game, it's not too bad. Perhaps we were a little harsh back then.
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2: I have the same feelings of this one as the first, but I actually got this game before the first one. I hold this one a little more dear to me as it was one of the games we got for Christmas with our Wii. It actually reminded that Rayman existed (though it took me seeing him in-game because I guess I can't read) and I was so damn excited. Again, not the best, but a fun mini-game collection that I think is better than the first one.
Rayman Origins: I remember being very, very excited when this game was announced. It kinda got me back into the franchise as I was at the age where I cared a little more about the world of a game. The art is great, the gameplay is so, so smooth, and I have it to thank for getting the poor guy back in the spotlight.
The only thing is that I simply am not that into 2D platformers that are strictly gameplay. Total personal preference, but I didn't get far at all in it. I'm still happy it exists and that people remembered how cool this franchise is though.
Rayman Legends: I feel the same towards this one as Origins, but this time I played the entire game with a friend. Definitely the best way to play these games for sure, as it just doubles the fun imo. I beat it with him and I really enjoyed it. The art got more polished and looks amazing, gameplay is still just as good, and just an overall good time with a friend. Not sure if I'll replay it on my own though. Again, happy it's here!
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So that's what I enjoy about the ones I've played! If you'd like, you can talk about what you enjoy about what you've played too. I wanted a good spot to just be positive about the series. Even if you don't like a game, there could be something you enjoy about it!
Also if this topic already exists, sorry! I couldn't find it..
